There’s loads of wildlife to spot around Torbay – make The Miggi your base for a beautiful, nature-loving, wildlife-spotting break.
Day One
Arrive at The Miggi. Settle into your comfy, book-themed room, enjoy a welcome cuppa, and perhaps choose a book to read from our shelves.
A two-minute stroll to our local beach to walk on the sand and watch the waves and birds is a great way to stretch your legs if you’ve been sitting in a car or train all day.
Pick up a vegan smoothie, coffee, or ice cream from the blue Sara’s at the Beach shack in the row of beach huts, or a drink from the terrace bar of the Redcliffe Hotel at the end of our road – the hotel has an interesting past and quirky design, and the sweeping view of the bay from their terrace is fabulous.
If you use a wheelchair or scooter, the terrace can be accessed via the drive/pathway around the side of the hotel, to the right of the entrance.
In the evening, enjoy a freshly-cooked meal made by Phoenix of All Good Things, served in our Agatha Christie dining room (book in advance with Phoenix).
Day Two
After your hearty Miggi breakfast, take the bus or drive to Berry Head Nature Reserve on the headland near Brixham. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the reserve used to be a Napoleonic Fort and has views for miles across the bay.
Berry Head is home to a guillemot colony which is protected by the only Area of Special Protection in the UK. Over 200 varieties of bird have been spotted in the area.
Greater Horseshoe bats roost in the limestone caves in the headland. The bats are one of the most endangered species in the UK. During the Summer, the Trust offers ranger-guided Bat Walks.
There are dozens of paths and trails to explore before heading to the Guard House cafe which has panoramic views from the top of the headland and has a few vegan options on the menu for lunch.
The 300m path from the car park to the headland is well paved and the cafe is accessible for wheelchairs and scooters. The cafe is also dog-friendly.
Heading back into Brixham, take a boat trip with Sea-Life Conservation Tours to see some of our local marine wildlife and see the dramatic coastline from the sea. Simon the tour guide is an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced wildlife photographer and conservationist.
Access depends on the boat in use and usually involves steps – it’s worth contacting Simon when you book to discuss access needs.
Here’s a photo of a seal we managed to get when we went on one of Simon’s tours:
If you want to get something to eat in Brixham after the tour, the Old Market House by the harbour has vegan options, some accessible tables, and is dog-friendly.
Day Three
After your delicious breakfast, take the “Round Robin” trip by steam train, river cruise and bus. The views from the train and boat are lovely, and you’ll see the river wildlife along the way.
You can do the triangular route in either direction – we recommend getting lunch in Totnes where you’ll have a choice of vegan and veggie cafes such as Zappa’s, Seeds2, and the Hairy Barrista. There are lots of independent bookshops and a large healthfood store to explore, too.
For wheelchair and scooter users, the Round Robin package isn’t worthwhile – although the steam train has an accessible carriage and alternate ferries across to Dartmouth have ramps, unfortunately, the river cruise is not accessible. You can get a ticket for the train trip and ferry over to Dartmouth. For an accessible river trip, check out the charity DartSailAbility.
In the evening, book another gourmet vegan meal from Phoenix of All Good Things to enjoy in our dining room.
Day Four
After a hearty breakfast, take a stroll along the South West Coast Path. Either direction from The Miggi will take you along by the seaside to beautiful beaches and quiet bays like Fairy Cove and Goodrington Beach (Cantina cafe has vegan options and is accessible and dog-friendly). Much of the path near The Miggi is accessible for wheelchairs and scooters, but you may need to take a roadside detour to avoid the steeper parts of the Coast Path and still reach Goodrington.
After lunch, visit the tranquil Tessier Gardens, an award-winning adults-only park near Babbacombe, Torquay. Sit on one of the many benches arranged around the park to watch the birds and squirrels. Paths around the Gardens are accessible for wheelchairs and scooters.
Head back to The Miggi late afternoon for one of Phoenix’s epic afternoon cream teas, served on traditional tiered stands in our dining room. You can take any treats you can’t eat in one sitting back to your room to nibble through the evening.
Day Five
Once you have enjoyed a relaxed breakfast, collect a delicious packed lunch from Phoenix of All Good Things, and head out to explore wild and historic Dartmoor.
Choose a walking route to suit your energy and ability levels from the Dartmoor National Park website, or join a guided walk or tour (there are links to tours on the National Park website).
The Wheeled Access Group lead public walks on certain dates, and have been working with the National Park to develop a “Miles without Stiles” list of accessible routes.
Arriving back in Paignton, treat yourself to a meal at Tam’s Kitchen, our local vegan cafe (dogs welcome, accessible but has narrow doorway). Do mention that you’re staying at The Miggi!
Day Six
After breakfast, visit Cockington Country Park. Surrounded by woodlands, the country park is home to a historic village, Cockington Court, and a craft centre with makers’ workspaces and studios. Paths run through the woodland to lakes and streams, providing habitat for a range of wildlife.
There is a guide to various walking routes here.
The Country Park hosts a range of events, exhibitions and workshops through the year, including a sculpture trail around the grounds.
For lunch, there are some limited vegan options at the tea rooms or the Drum Inn at Cockington has vegan options, wheelchair access and welcomes dogs.
Round off your break with another gourmet vegan meal from Phoenix of All Good Things served in our dining room.
Last day
Our hearty breakfast should set you up for your journey home. Although your room check-out time is 11am, you’re welcome to leave your bags a little longer so you needn’t rush too much – there’s always time to pop to the beach and say goodbye to the seaside (until next time).